THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Ahoy,

Today and this weekend look favorable for those venturing out onto the water as the weather will be good for boating with mostly sunny skies and 2- to 3-foot swells during the day.

Sailors will find the afternoon winds in the low teens, and shifting from east-southeast to westerlys. As I always mention, these conditions are known for foggy mornings, so keep an eye out for any sea-level cloud banks.

I received numerous e-mails from last week’s column from boaters questioning who is required to have the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card).

If you work in the commercial maritime industry or have access to commercial vessels then you mostly likely need to have the identification card.

To find out go to www.tsa.gov/what_we_ do/layers/twic/index.shtm or call (866) 347-8942 to speak with a knowledgeable person.

Tip of the week covers a question asked about the end of lobster season in Southern California.

I love to eat Panulirus interruptus, but do not go hunting anymore until next season. The season ended March 18, and I have heard good reports of catching bugs this last season from recreational divers and fishermen along our coast.

To keep yourself out of trouble with the California Department of Fish and Game and read the latest regulations, you can visit their website at www.dfg.ca.gov. The site has information about regulations, latest news, marine life management, licenses, frequently asked questions, and a section where you click on where you will be going that lists detailed information for that region.

Next lobster season is from Oct. 3, 2009 to March 17, 2010. Remember to have your lobster report card and lobster gauge with you while hunting.

Next season, you can prepare yourself with five baited hoop nets per person on a boat, and no more than 10 baited hoop nets off of any vessel.

The daily bag and possession is seven lobsters per person. It’s important to note that unlike fishing for fish, lobsters must be kept whole on any boat or to bring ashore a lobster in such a condition that its size cannot be determined.

Safe voyages.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com.